Botanical & Zoological Gardens in the UK: Market Size, Businesses & Forecast 2026

The botanical and zoological gardens industry in the UK operates as a cultural and tourism sector focused on conservation, education, and public recreation. According to the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) 2021-22 data, there were approximately 6 million visits to major cultural and heritage sites including zoos and gardens, representing recovery from pandemic disruptions. The industry remains stable with sustained public interest in wildlife and plant collections.

Industry snapshot

Key public data points

Historical & forecast

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What does the Botanical & Zoological Gardens in the UK industry cover?

The botanical and zoological gardens industry encompasses organizations that maintain collections of living plants and animals for public exhibition, education, research, and conservation purposes. This includes zoos, safari parks, botanical gardens, aquariums, and similar institutions that open their facilities to the public. The sector operates at the intersection of tourism, education, and environmental conservation.

• •In 2022, there were around 70 zoological gardens and aquariums in the UK, according to the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquaria (BIAZA)
• •The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew receives over 2 million visitors annually and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Who operates in the industry and how is it structured?

The UK market features a mix of publicly funded institutions and privately operated attractions. Many major gardens receive government support through grants or local authority funding, while zoos often operate as charitable organizations or commercial enterprises. The sector has seen consolidation among larger operators while independent small gardens remain important for local communities.

• •BIAZA member institutions collectively house over 700,000 animals (2022 data)
• •The National Trust maintains over 160 gardens and parks across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland

What drives demand in the industry?

Public demand for botanical and zoological experiences is driven by educational opportunities, tourism appeal, and conservation awareness. Family visits constitute a significant portion of attendance, with school groups providing regular weekday traffic. The growing emphasis on environmental education and sustainable tourism has increased interest in botanical and zoological attractions.

• •According to VisitBritain, heritage attractions (including gardens and zoos) attracted 53 million UK day trips in 2022
• •Educational programs reach over 1.5 million students annually across BIAZA member institutions

Who are the notable companies in the industry?

The competitive landscape includes both specialized operators and diversified leisure companies. Major players compete through collection quality, visitor experience innovation, and conservation achievements. Some institutions leverage location advantages and unique collections to maintain competitive differentiation.

• •Wild Places (trading as Whipsnade Zoo and ZSL London Zoo) operates under the Zoological Society of London
• •The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is managed by Kew Gardens Enterprises Limited
• •Butterfly World operates as a major butterfly attraction in Hertfordshire
• •Royal Zoological Society of Scotland owns and operates Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park

What are the recent trends and outlook?

The industry has recovered from pandemic disruptions with increased visitor spending and renewed public interest in outdoor attractions. Digital engagement through virtual tours and online educational content has expanded reach beyond physical attendance. Conservation breeding programs and habitat restoration projects have grown in prominence as core institutional missions.

• •According to the Museums Association, cultural attractions saw 85% of pre-pandemic visitor numbers in 2022
• •BIAZA members reported a 15% increase in conservation funding in 2021-22 for breeding programs

How is the industry regulated?

The industry operates under strict regulatory frameworks, particularly regarding animal welfare and collection management. Licensing requirements vary by nation within the UK, with England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland each maintaining their own inspection regimes. Compliance with animal welfare standards and conservation regulations forms a significant operational focus for all institutions.

• •Zoos in Great Britain require licenses issued by the Secretary of State under the Zoo Licensing Act 1981
• •Botanical gardens must comply with international plant protection regulations (IPPC) for plant imports

Government, statistical and trade sources used for this Claight analysis.

• Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) Museum and Gallery Attendance Statistics 2022 ·
• British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquaria (BIAZA) Annual Report 2022 ·
• National Trust Annual Report 2022 ·
• VisitBritain Tourism Data 2022 ·
• Zoo Licensing Act 1981 (UK Legislation) ·
• International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) Regulations